In an exhibition which highlighted the Getty’s collection, “The Birth of Pastel” showcased drawings created in colored chalk, or pastel. These large scale works show meticulous details and highlight the artists technique and skill.

While the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is still under construction, the museum has already started having exhibitions in other venues. Its second exhibition, “The CreativeAct: Performance, Process, Presence” was held later last year. This group exhibition showcased artists from different cultures who practiced from the 1960s to present day and created works that respond to performances pieces, the artistic process or the artist’s presence. Individuals such as Anish Kapoor, Giovanni Ozzola, Hasaan Sharif and Tanaka Atsuko were just a few of the artists on view.

Located in the heart of Austin is an outdoor art gallery. Specifically,a graffiti park titled HOPE Outdoor Gallery. Okay, but what makes this one so special? Anyone over the age of 18 is eligibleto contribute to the gallery. This paint park is designed for graffiti and street artists to leave their masterpieces in the open air gallery. If you are interested in painting your own work of art at HOPE Outdoor Gallery simply email murals@hopecampaign.org to register!

If you have recently driven by MOCA in Los Angeles you may notice the entrance looks different. Artist Jonas Wood has created a mural to completely envelop the façade. Consisting of brightly colored flora, Wood creates a vibrant image of nature in this large scale work.

The latest architectural project at the V&A museum in London was the opening of a new entrance on Exhibition Road. Created out of porcelain tile, this entrance leads to a large courtyard where people can mingle, sit for a cup of tea or walk directly to the temporary exhibitions. The use of porcelain in the design is a tribute to the V&A’s immense 19th century ceramic collection, but in a fresh and modern look.

Yes that is underwear hanging from a wire. And yes, I know what you were thinking, this is art? Created by video artist Pipilotti Rist, this work is known as “Hiplights (Enlighted Hips)” and showcases both used and washed underwear hanging on a wire, illuminated by LED lamps. Resembling a drying wire for clothes, Rist creates a playful scene in an otherwise ordinary hallway.

LACMA had an exhibition titled “Pause” which showcased works by Abdulnasser Gharem. An artist, Gharem is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Saudi Army. In “Pause” Gharem’s pieces reflect post 9/11 life. His works provide commentary on how that horrific event not only affected life in America but impacted other parts of the world. To highlight the interconnectedness of the world, Gharem blends Western and Eastern characteristics in his work such as geometric designs and Arabic script, which are characteristics of the East, with American icons such as the Twin Towers and US fighter jets. Viewers were intended to stop, pause and reflect on current world affairs since that tragic day in 2001.

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Historic traditions and contemporary art blend in the exhibition “Sacred Spaces: Himalayan Wind // The Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room” at The Rubin Museum of Art. This show focused on the influence of wind on two places in the Himalayas: Tibet and Nepal. Artists created works inspired by wind whilst visiting these two countries. In “Khandorama,” Stephan Crasneanscki, Gabriele Giugni, Paul Hance and Stephan Crasneanscki videoed prayer flags flapping in the wind, then combined them into a 23 min 28 second CD. The swirling prayer flags resemble a kaleidoscope. In an interactive display by Francisco Lopez, visitors had the opportunity to listen to whistling winds on either Side A or Side B of the record, allowing visitors the chance to flip the record. If you happened to visit the exhibition during a windy day in NYC [winds over 10 mph] select patrons received a commemorative wind record.

Known for his images with overlaid text, Ed Ruscha has developed an iconic artistic style. While art gazing at Bergamot Station, I found this work and it made me chuckle. Resembling a classic Ed Ruscha piece, this artist overlaid text stating “It Worked for Ed Ruscha,” implying if it worked for Ruscha it will work for him too.

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Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga is known for his exquisite and elaborate fashion creations. From hats, to evening gowns to capes, Balenciaga has created quite a legacy in the fashion world. The V&A took the opportunity to showcase his pieces in an exhibition titled “Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion.” The bottom floor exhibited Balenciaga’s designs on mannequins whilst the top floor showcased articles of clothing by other designers who were influenced by him.